Six seniors are listed among the 2022 South Alabama softball roster, and each Monday throughout the 2022 season, one will give fans a view through their eyes as they recap the previous week. On tap this week is infielder Meredith Keel.

Hi everybody it's Meredith Keel, senior third baseman. I hope you all enjoy this small glimpse inside the week of a Jag softball player. 

MONDAY – OFF DAY
Our off days seem to be the fastest days of the week. You'd think most people would sleep in and relax all day. Well, that was the complete opposite of my day. Monday night was Night of Champions. Night of Champions is a banquet style get together to recognize all the athletes on their great achievements from the current year. So of course, that morning, I still had so many things to do to get ready for it. Janeah [Finney] and I woke up early and went and got our nails done, and as always picked up our morning coffees. Victoria Ortiz came over later that day and got ready with me and my roommates. Night of Champions was so much fun. Our queen Gabby Stagner won an award, and afterwards we all went to Agave Mexican Restaurant to celebrate Jenna Bean's [Jenna Hardy] 21st birthday. 

TUESDAY
On Tuesday, we were back to the grind. We had a lifting session around noon. Right now, we are focusing on shifting our weight quickly. After we lifted a good amount of us went to open field together. Coach [Kristina] McCain put us through a solid hitting circuit and we were done for the day after that. When I got home, I started to work on my Grad School application. Thinking about grad school makes me so nervous, yet very excited at the same time. To finish off the night, Janeah and I went to "Cook Out" for a nutritional dinner. 

WEDNESDAY
This week consisted of finishing up all my school work for the year. When I woke up I did some homework, and then met KK Hughes at the pool for a little bit. It was a beautiful day, 82 degrees and not a cloud in the sky. We sat in the chairs in the pool and made some new friends on the soccer team. After that, we went to practice where we focused on cuts and situational work with runners. When we get home, Bailey [Welch] made spaghetti for dinner and I was ready for bed. 

THURSDAY
Thursday was just another normal day. I woke up and got my morning coffee, and I had some chocolate chip oatmeal for breakfast. I worked on my grad school application and I finally submitted it! I chose to have all my classes online this semester due to our crazy travel schedule at the beginning of the year. Therefore, I never have to actually go to class. I complete my school work on my own and go to softball every day. We had practice later in the day, where we hit on the field and did our routine ground ball work and outfield/catchers throw to bases. After practice, we went to the weight room and got a good lift in with Coach Lo. To top of the good lift, Janeah, Abby [Allen], and I went to Azteca's Mexican restaurant for dinner right after. 

FRIDAY – GAME ONE – GEORGIA SOUTHERN SERIES
I started my morning with celebrating Vic Ortiz's birthday. A few of us on the team went to Brick and Spoon with her. Afterwards I picked my mom up from the airport. I was so glad she got to fly in on Friday, I love getting to spend time with her. We had a quick lunch at Tropical Smoothie and by that time it was ready for me to get to the field. Before warmups, our whole team and coaching staff decided to wear purple ribbon in honor of Lauren Bernett, who played softball at JMU and just recently lost her life. We opened up the weekend with an 8-1 win over Georgia Southern. 

SATURDAY – GAME TWO – GEORGIA SOUTHERN SERIES – SENIOR DAY
Today was a very emotional day. I started the day out by picking up my dad and brother from the airport. After that, all of us seniors got to the field at the same time. Our teammates had our locker room decorated with balloons and streamers. They also had little gifts and flower arrangements for each of us. Abby Allen and Shelby Garrett were in charge of mine and they made me feel so loved and special. My favorite part was the Bible they gave me with each of my teammates favorite Bible verse. That is something I will hold onto for forever. Seeing all of our numbers spray painted onto the field was so surreal. I had never really thought about this day and all of my emotions hit me at once. When we were all lined up ready to walk across the field, I couldn't help but think how lucky I was to get the chance to know each one of these girls. They have all pushed me in different ways, rather that be on the field, in the weight room, in the classroom, or in my faith. The relationships and memories I have made will never be forgotten. After our senior day ceremony, we graduated on the field. It was a cool experience to graduate in front of all the people you love and care about it. To make Senior Day ever better we finished the day with another win over Georgia Southern. After we got all cleaned up, Janeah joined my family and I for dinner at Briquettes Steakhouse. Our little graduation celebration was perfect. 

SUNDAY – GAME THREE– GEORGIA SOUTHERN SERIES
Today was a big day for our team. We had the chance to go out and sweep a conference foe. And that is sure what we did. Stephanie [Gonzalez], Kamdyn [Kvistad] and Gabby hit HUGE home runs to push us ahead. After the game, we signed autographs for younger girls. I love having the chance to meet these younger girls, it reminds me of where I have come from and puts a big perspective on the game. After I got all cleaned up after the game, Janeah took some pictures of my family and I on campus in my cap and gown. We then went downtown to finish our weekend with a good meal at Squid Ink. I will never forget this weekend. Having my family here to witness and watch me graduate will be something I cherish forever. I'm so thankful for South Alabama softball. I love these girls with all my heart and I'm not ready to say goodbye!

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the Bullpen Club, the softball specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund.  Members have access to purchase parking passes and receive Jaguar Softball gear.  All donations to the Bullpen Club go directly to support the South Alabama softball program.  For more information on how you can join visit:  jaguarathleticfund.com/bullpenclub.

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